Updated: Beckham defends crocodile-skin handbags

According to The Mirror, the ex-Spice Girl has been contacted by animal rights group PETA regarding the products. It was claimed that the group is planning a publicity stunt at the UK unveiling of the range.

A source told the newspaper: "PETA know she is high profile and that whatever stunt they pull will garner mass publicity. The fact her bags were so well received at her recent showcase in New York has simply given them more incentive."

Beckham's spokesperson responded: "Everyone is entitled to personal opinion and choice, but as with all Victoria Beckham products, the handbags are made to the highest quality and design.

"These skins sit strictly within the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) regulations, and are monitored at every step of production. The skins are farmed in America under very tight guidelines."

However, PETA has denied claims of a planned publicity stunt and an official statement read: "PETA and PETA US have retained legal counsel in the UK to vigorously pursue The Mirror for deliberately distributing a totally fabricated report about PETA's plans regarding Victoria Beckham's collection.

"We appreciate Ms Beckham's rejection of fur and had approached her - 100% respectfully - over the suffering of lizards and other reptiles who are often skinned alive for fashion."

It continued: "We don’t believe that Victoria has chosen to ignore the plight of these animals. We are concerned that accurate information has not made its way through to her through her many assistants.

"The CITES guidelines to which Ms Beckham’s PR agency refers do not relate to the treatment of exotic animals but rather the number of animals who may be traded under trade controls."

Last year, Beckham was urged by PETA to use "mock-crock" or "fake snake" handbags rather than Hermes Birkin bags made from crocodile skin.